Xf^ 


AN 


ADDRESS 


DELIVERED    AT    NORTHAMPTON, 


BEFORE  THE 


HAMPSHIRE,    HAMPDEN    AND     FRANKLIN 


^QVlmUnxul  Socfets, 


OCTOBER,  27,  1831. 


BY  SAMUEL    F.  DICKINSON, 


PUBLISHED  BY  REQUEST  OF  THE  SOCIETY, 


AMHERST: 


J.   S.   &   C.   ADAMS,  PRINTERS. 

1831. 


UNIVERSITY  OF  MASSACHUSETTS 
AT  AMHERST 


UNIVERSITY  LIBRARY 

Special  Collections  &  Rare  Book; 


GIFT  OF 


ADDRESS. 


The  cultivation  of  the  Earth  is  the  natural  and  ap- 
propriate employment  of  man.  He  was  formed  of  the 
earth ;  and  his  birtli-place  was  a  garden.  A  garden  too, 
planted  and  cultivated  by  the  hand  of  Him,  who  created 
it ;  in  which  "  grcAV  every  tree  pleasant  to  the  sight,  or 
good  for  food ;  the  tree  of  Life,  also,  in  the  midst  of 
the  garden." 

This  exhibition,  so  rich  in  the  beauties  of  Nature ; 
so  luxuriant  in  her  fruits  and  foliage ;  was  designed  to 
teach  the  new  inhabitant  his  future  employment ;  and 
his  connection  with  the  earth,  which  he  was  soon  to  be 
commissioned  "  to  dress  and  till."  And,  "  the  tree  of 
Life  in  the  midst  of  the  garden,"  contained  a  direction, 
as  by  precept,  that,  amid  all  his  cares  and  labors,  the 
Avorship  of  his  Maker,  the  Great  Proprietor,  should 
hold  a  preeminent  place.  Thus  establishing,  by  a  silent 
but  immutable  decree,  the  intimate  relation  subsisting 
between  his  labors  and  his  duties — a  relation  as  lasting, 
as  his  pilgrimage  on  earth. 

How  much  ought  every  husbandman  to  regard  his 
high  destination !  How  deeply  feel  his  responsibility,  and 
his  obligation  to  follow  the  great  example  here  set  be- 
fore him ;  and  to  obey  the  precept,  here  so  forcibly 
taught ! 

Accordingly  we  find,  in  the  only  authentic  record  of 
early  times,  that  the  oldest  son  of  Adam  was  "  a  tiller 
of*  the  ground ;"  and  that  Noah,  immediately  after  the 
deluge,  ''became  an  husbandman,  and  planted  a vineyaxd^'''' 


We  find  also,  in  sacred  history,  frequent  allusions  to  the 
culture  of  the  earth.  Plowing^  sowings  reaping^  thresh- 
ings seed-time^  and  harvest^  and  other  like  expressions  are 
used;  showing,  that  agriculture  was  early  and  success- 
fully in  use. 

We  know  also,  that,  by  the  longevity  of  that  period, 
the  earth  was  early  and  rapidly  peopled,  and  cities 
builded ;  and  that  this  immense  population  could  not 
have  been  sustained ;  or  those  cities  builded,  without 
the  knowledge  and  the  aid  of  agriculture. 

We  know  also,  that  there  could  have  been  no  com- 
merce, without  an  interchange  of  the  productions  of  the 
earth ;  and,  that  where  agriculture  has  not  made  some 
advance,  arts  and  manufactures  have  no  place. 

Until  a  people,  by  occupation  or  habit,  become  fixed 
to  some  spot,  as  their  home ;  they  have  no  need  of  houses 
or  barns ;  or  of  implements  of  husbandry ;  or  of  smiths 
or  mechanics  to  construct  them.  Among  the  natives  of 
this  country  was  found  no  mechanic,  manufacture,  or 
commerce.     And  this  is  common  to  all  uncivilized  nations. 

It  may,  then,  be  assumed  as  true,  that  the  cultivation 
of  the  earth  is  the  basis  of  all  the  mechanic  arts,  man- 
ufactures, and  commerce.  All  depend  upon  it.  And 
every  thing,  which  lives,  and  breathes,  and  moves, 
whether  in  the  waters,  in  the  air,  or  on  its  surface,  de- 
rives its  support  from  the  earth,  as  the  mother  of  all. 

I  shall,  therefore,  need  no  apology,  on  this  occasion, 
for  specially  addressing  those,  on  whom  this  important 
business  rests :  practical  husbandmen  ;  those  who  join  na- 
ked hands  to  the  axe  and  the  plough ;  and  are  not 
ashamed  to  bear  the  scythe  and  the  sickle. 

I  shall  attempt,  concisely,  to  delineate, 

I.   The  character  of  good  Husbandry. 


5 

II.  The  character  of  good  HusBANDi^fc,  as  connected 
with  their  social,  civil  and  moral  duties. 

I.   The  character  of  good  Husbandry. 

The  first  characteristic  of  good  husbandry,  is  to  cul- 
tivate well. 

It  has  never  yet  been  ascertained,  to  what  extent  the 
earth  is  susceptible  of  culture,  nor  the  amount  it  is  ca- 
pable of  producing.  Much  depends  on  climate,  and  the 
nature  and  qualities  of  the  soil ;  but  7nore  depends  on 
cidtivation.  No  field  has  ever  jet  been  so  highly  culti- 
vated, that  it  was  not  capable  of  higher  improvement. 
In  England,  the  most  highly  cultivated  soil  in  Europe, 
there  are  about  two  acres  and  one  third  of  improved 
land,  to  one  individual ;  in  France,  nearly  four ;  within 
the  limits  of  this  Society,  more  than  seven.  Agriculture 
can  hardly  be  said  to  have  begun  its  progress,  in  any 
country ;  especially,  in  the  United  States.  Much  is  yet 
to  be  learned,  and  taught,  and  done^  on  our  best  hus- 
banded lands. 

Assuming  as  the  ratio,  that  each  acre  now  cultivated, 
may  be  made  to  produce  only  twice  its  present  crop, 
— and  this  falls  far  short  of  the  truth — it  may  be  made 
to  yield  a  much  greater  increase  :  then  cultivating  well 
will  save 

1.  Capital,  The  culture  of  fifty  acres  will  be  equal 
to  that  of  one  hundred ;  and  fifty  acres  will  cost  but  half 
as  much. 

In  every  enterprise,  the  amount  of  capital  required 
enters  into  the  calculation  of  gain  or  loss.  And  this  is 
of  no  small  account  to  a  young  New  England  farmer; 
whose  capital  chiefly  consists  in  his  muscular  strength, 
his  bold  and  enterprising  spirit,  and  his  moral  habits. 

2.  Cidtivating  well  saves  labor.     But  half  (he  time  is 


necessary  to  tHi^el  over  fifty  acres,  which  is  required  to 
travel  over  one  hundred.  But  half  the  labor  is  required 
to  plough,  sow,  mow  or  reap,  one  acre,  which  is  required 
to  perform  the  like  operations,  on  two.  Besides,  the 
earth,  being  more  thoroughly  subdued  and  broken,  yields 
more  readily  to  the  plough,  the  harrow,  and  the  hoe ; 
and  every  man  knows,  that  a  grass-field,  thoroughly 
and  well  prepared  for  the  scythe,  is  mown  with  greater 
ease,  and  Avith  less  expense  of  time  and  strength.  So 
of  every  thing  about  a  farm. 

3.  Cultivating  well  saves  fence,  in  the  same  propor- 
tion that  it  saves  capital  and  labor ;  which  is  an  item  of 
increasing  importance ;  as  fencing  stuffs,  annually,  grow 
more  valuable. 

4.  The  produce  of  one  acre,  well  cultivated,  if  not 
more  in  amount,  exceeds  in  value,  that  of  two  acres, 
poorly  managed.  It  will  be  of  a  better  and  richer  qual- 
ity. Every  one  knows  the  difference  in  the  quality  of 
Indian  corn,  rye,  Avheat  or  potatoes,  raised  in  full  and  large 
crops ;  from  that  of  the  same  kind  of  produce,  raised  in 
sparing  and  lean  crops.  The  difference  is  as  perceiva- 
ble, as  between  the  full  and  blasted  ears  in  Egypt.  The 
same  principle  is  applicable  to  the  raising  and  manage- 
ment of  all  kinds  of  live  stock.  Every  husbandman 
knows,  how  much  strength  is  added  to  his  ox,  and  his 
horse,  by  the  increase  of  their  flesh;  and  how  much 
the  quality  of  his  butter  and  cheese  is  enriched,  by  the 
thrift  of  his  cow. 

5.  Cultivating  well  is  a  duty.  The  cultivator  owes  it 
to  himself;  in  this  way,  he  increases  his  profits  and  con- 
sequent usefulness.  He  owes  it  to  his  country ;  he 
thereby  adds  to  the  common  stock.  The  wealth  of  a 
nation  consists   in  the    wealth   of  individuals  composing 


ihc  nation.  He  owes  it  to  thp'  Great  Proprietor, 
whose  steward  he  is.  He  appropriates  but  half  the 
territory,  or  less,  as  the  case  liiay  be,  and  produces  as 
much  ;  leaving  the  other  half,  to  be  improved  by  others. 
He  follows,  more  closely,  the  example  of  Eden. 

6.  Cultivating  well  adds  to  the  pleasures  of  labor. 
This  is  not  an  unmeaning  expression.  The  seven  years 
of  servitude  seemed  short  to  the  Patriarch ;  because, 
surrounded  by  objects  pleasant  to  his  view ;  and  enjoy- 
ing anticipations,  pleasing  to  his  thoughts  :  so,  a  well  cul- 
tivated farm,  regularly  divided  into  fields,  and  neatly 
fenced,  with  growing  luxuriant  crops,  presents  to  the 
husbandman  a  pleasant  and  interesting  view ;  affording 
also,  anticipations  of  receiving  the  reward  of  his  labors  ; 
shortening  very  much  the  hours  of  toil ;  strengthening 
all  his  local  and  domestic  attachments. 

7.  Cultivating  well  improves  the  mind,  and  temper,  and 
habits,  of  the  cultivator.  The  principle  of  association 
is  so  strong  and  powerful,  that  we  borrow  our  thoughts, 
and  feelings,  and  habits,  in  a  great  degree,  from  objects 
around  us.  The  influence  of  "  the  Grecian  skies''''  is  pro- 
verbial. Every  naturalist  is  acquainted  with  this  prin- 
ciple of  our  nature.  It  is  not  difficult  to  learn  the  tem- 
per of  any  man,  when  it  is  known,  with  what  objects 
he  most  familiarly  associates. 

Secondly.  Good  fences  are  essential  to  good  hus- 
bandry. 

1.  They  save  time.  The  husbandman,  who  is  oblig- 
ed to  leave  his  team  or  his  labor,  and  travel  to  a  distant 
field,  to  drive  out  intruding  cattle,  loses  much  valuable 
time,  which  he  knows  not  how  to  spare. 

2.  Good  fences  protect  and  secure  crops,  the  fruit  and 
just  reward  of  toil  and  care ;  and   prevent   the    pain  of 


seeing  them   carelessly  wasted  or  destroyed ;  and  in  this 
way,  hghtcn  care,  and  sweeten  the  hours  of  rest. 

3.  Good  fences  prevent  unkind  feehngs  among  neigh- 
bors; and  not  unfrequently,  vexatious  and  expensive 
lawsuits — the  evils   of  which  are  sometimes   seen,  and 

felt^  by  the  next  generation. 

4.  Good  fences  are  an  ornament  to  a  farm.  An  ex- 
tended plane — an  unbroken  view  of  a  lake,  or  an  ocean, 
produces  painful  sensations ;  while  a  landscape,  inter- 
spersed with  hills,  and  meadows,  and  forests,  and  cleared 
fields,  excites  lively  emotions.  Such  is  the  pleasure  aris- 
ing from  the  view  of  a  neatly  and  well  fenced  farm  ;  as- 
sociated, as  it  always  will  be,  with  considerations  of  se- 
curity and  profit — and  the  certainty  of  finding  every  ox, 
and  horse,  and  cow,  in  his  own  pasture. 

Thirdly,  The  use  of  manure  is  another  characteris- 
tic of  good  husbandry. 

Most  of  the  soils  in  New  England,  and  wilhin  the 
limits  of  this  society,  require  this  nourishment  and  sup 
port.  And  this  necessity  will  always  make  this  a  high- 
ly favored  land.  Wherever  manure  is  required,  in  or- 
der to  produce  good  crops,  and  to  constitute  good  hus- 
bandry, there  will  be,  of  necessity,  industry,  economy, 
and  consequent  wealth,  with  domestic  happiness.  If  it 
should  be  inquired,  what  has  converted  the  native  bar- 
renness of  the  counties  of  Essex  and  Norfolk,  into  luxu- 
riant fields  and  gardens — the  answer  is,  A  soil  rcqmring 
manure^  with  industry.  If  it  should  be  further  inquired ; 
what  has  made  the  inhabitants  of  these  counties  pros- 
perous, independent,  and  happy  ?  the  answer  is,  Jl  soil 
requiring  manure^  ivith  industry  and  economy,  A  young 
man,  aspiring  at  vigor  of  body,  independence  of  mind,  and 
prosperity,  with  long  life,  ought,  in  choosing  his  settle- 


ment,  to  select  a  soil,  not  too  barren  to  reward  his  in- 
dustry ;  yet  requiring  manure  to  render  it  productive. 
Much  of  the  land  in  New  England  answers  this  descrij)- 
tion. 

In  most  of  the  Western  States,  manure  is  esteemed 
of  no  value.  It  is  suffered,  either  to  accumulate  about 
their  barns  and  hovels,  for  years  ;  or  is  thrown  into 
their  creeks,  as  a  nuisance.  I  have,  however,  never 
seen  this,  without  witnessing,  at  the  same  time,  weeds, 
and  wild  growth,  as  rank  and  luxuriant,  as  the  corn- 
blades,  or  stalks  of  wheat :  with  miserable  husbandry. 

That  a  soil  so  rich,  as  to  require  no  manure  under 
the  hand  of  a  skilful  cultivator,  will  produce  sloth  and 
its  kindred  vices,  is  a  principle,  as  unvarying  as  the  laws 
of  Nature.  The  barrenness  of  New  England,  which 
is  not  unfrequently  spoken  of  at  the  West,  is  one  of 
the  most  distinguished  blessings  of  this  enviable  land. 

While  the  cultivator  of  the  rich  allu vials,  and  exten- 
sive priaries  of  the  West,  shall  be  pale  with  ague,  and 
inactive  and  slothful,  by  reason  of  the  richness  of  his 
soil,  his  farm  unfenced,  and  overspread  with  weeds  and 
wild  growth ;  the  more  favored  son  of  New  England 
shall  be  muscular  and  strong,  energetic  and  enterpris- 
ing, intelligent  and  moral ;  enjoying  the  fruits  of  his 
industry,  in  a  salubrious  atmosphere,  and  blessed  with  a 
surrounding  group  of  healthful,  intelligent,  well  instruct- 
ed children.  Nature  is  uniform  in  her  operations.  A 
soil  so  rich,  as  the  valley  of  the  Mississippi,  has  every 
where  produced  the  consequences  of  idleness.  Men 
will  not  work  hard  when  they  can  live  easy. 

That  part  of  Asia,  where  once  was  the  garden  of 
Eden,  where  was  the  promised  land :  Italy,  where  was 
Rome,  so  proud  of  her  orators,  statesmen,  and  conquer- 

2 


10 

ors  ;  Spain,  once  so  distinguished  for  her  science,  and 
her  intelligence  ;  Egypt,  once  renowned  for  her  arts 
and  her  power ;  South  America,  once  preeminent  for 
her  honour  and  her  warriors  ;  the  valley  of  the  Missis- 
sippi, ivith  its  present  population,  illustrate  this  truth. 

The  destinies  of  futurity  are  not  in  our  keeping. 
What  consequences  may  follow  from  the  great  moral 
efforts,  now  making  to  renovate  and  purify  the  Western 
valley,  time  only  can  disclose.  But,  sure  as  the  connec- 
tion between  cause  and  effect ;  unless  these,  or  other 
causes  hitherto  inoperative,  shall  exert  a  mighty  and  a 
controlling  influence,  this  great  and  proud  valley  must, 
and  ivill,  hereafter,  slumber,  inactive,  unblessed.  It  is, 
however,  the  duty  of  the  Patriot,  as  well  as  the  Chris- 
tian, to  hope  ;  that  the  religion  of  the  Cross  may  effect, 
what  science  and  philosophy,  with  all  their  votaries, 
have  so  long,  in  vain,  attempted ! 

In  addition  to  barn-manure,  the  New  England  hus- 
bandman should  be  unwearied,  in  collecting  Avhatever 
will  quicken  or  support  vegetation.  Lime  is  a  valua- 
ble manure,  and  highly  deserving  notice.  Mud  from 
ponds,  or  sunken  grounds,  common  salt,  with  every  kind 
of  vegetable,  and  animal  substance,  may  be  profitably 
used  in  compost ;  especially,  if  exposed  to  the  action  of 
swine.  Changing  crops  is  often  useful.  Each  species 
of  crop  seems  to  extract  from  the  soil  a  nutriment  pe- 
culiar to  itself;  so  as  not  to  exhaust,  against  the  de- 
mands of  a  different,  succeeding,  crop.  Alternate 
ploughing  and  seeding  is  a  valuable  substitute  for  man- 
ure ;  and  an  economical  method  of  keeping  land  in 
heart.  However  highly  other  grasses  may  be  valued 
in  other  counties  or  States;  I  am  satisfied,  that  no 
grass,  with  us,  is  so  enriching  to  the  soil ;    or  nutricious 


for  hay  or  pasture,  as  the  clover.  The  (|uahty,  which 
enriches,  is  not  in  the  stalk,  or  leaf,  of  this  grass,  as  is 
sometimes  supposed ;  but  in  a  black  mould,  collected 
about  the  roots.  Whether  extracted  from  the  air,  by 
means  of  its  blossoms,  its  broad  leaf,  or  porous  stalk,  I 
do  not  pretend  to  say.  If  turned  in,  with  a  plough,  for 
manure,  it  should  stand  until  ripe.  The  mature  stalk, 
and  full  grown  leaf  seem  necessary  to  collect,  and  depos- 
it, its  nutritive  qualities. 

A  coat  of  grass,  left  in  the  fall,  on  mowing  or  pasture- 
land,  is  equal  to  a  covering  of  manure.  This  serves  the 
double  purpose  of  enriching  the  soil  ;  and  of  protect- 
ing it  from  frosts  and  cold.  It  is  like  the  clothing  of 
the  human  body,  protecting  it  from  the  cold  of  winter. 
Every  blade  of  grass  left  growing,  in  the  fall,  will  pro- 
duce twice  its  value,  the  next  season.  Considering  the 
coldness  of  our  climate,  this  subject  has  not  been  suffi- 
ciently regarded. 

Fourthly,  Deep  ploughing  is  essential  to  good  hus- 
bandry. 

The  plough  is  the  most  important  implement  of  hus- 
bandry ;  too  much  pains  cannot  be  taken  in  its  construc- 
tion. A  share  so  broad,  as  to  cut  the  whole  width  of 
the  furrow,  is  essential.  Ploughing  is  the  most  impor- 
tant operation  in  husbandry,  and  deep  ploughing  still  more 
important.  Such  parts  of  the  earth,  as  are  not  broken, 
or  turned  up  by  the  plough-share,  yield  no  support  to 
the  growing  plant — they  are  in  the  way  of  the  roots, 
and  worse  than  useless. 

Deep  ploughing  brings  up  more  earthybr  use  ;  gives 
more  room  for  the  roots  to  grow  and  extend  in ;  affords 
more  nourishment;  and  greater  security  against  drought ; 
the  deeper  the  soil,  the  more    moisture  is  contained  in 


12 

it — and  the  longer  it  will  resist  the  effects  of  heat ;  the 
more  easily  is  it  moved  by  the  hoe  and  harrow  ;  and  or- 
dinarily, will  produce  a  more  abundant  crop.  There  is 
a  quality,  nutritive  to  vegetation,  which  settles  down 
below  ordinary  furrows ;  and  which,  turned  up,  brings 
strength,  as  well  as  quantity,  to  the  soil.  I  have  seen 
pumpkins  and  other  vines  grow  luxuriantly,  on  earth 
thrown  out  of  a  cellar,  three  feet  below  the  surface. 

Fifthly.  JYeatness  is  essential  to  the  character  of 
good  husbandry. 

This  consists  in  the  arrangement  and  divisions  of  a 
farm ;  the  order  and  style  of  the  buildings ;  the  setting 
out  and  pruning,  with  judgment,  Jruit  and  shade-trees. 
The  garden  of  Eden,  the  great  example  set  before 
husbandmen,  contained  "  every  tree,  pleasant  to  the 
sight^^''  as  well  as  "  good  for  food." 

Neatness  also  consists  in  the  cutting  of  bushes,  tearing 
up  and  subduing  hedges ;  clearing  every  field  of  weeds 
and  wild  growth ;  keeping  the  best  implements  of  hus- 
bandry ;  and  in  best  order  and  condition ;  and  generally, 
in  keeping  every  thing  as  it  should  be. 

There  should  be  "  a  place  for  every  thing ;  and  eve- 
ry thing  in  its  place."  There  should  also  be  a  time  for 
every  thing ;  and  every  thing  in  its  time. 

More  time  and  labor  are  saved  by  neatness,  on  and 
about  a  farm,  than  ten  times  its  cost.  The  breaking 
of  a  bow  pin ;  or  the  unsewing  of  a  harness,  frequently 
occasions,  not  only  loss  to  the  owner,  and  danger  to  the 
driver ;  but  sometimes  brings  suiTerings,  not  to  be  re- 
paid. 

Neatness  adds  much  to  the  enjoyments  of  the  hus- 
bandman ;  and  the  pleasures  of  home.  It  induces  hab- 
its  of  order   and   propriety ;    which  will,  insensibly,  be 


13 

carried  into  all  the  business  and  relations  of  life.  It  is 
enviable,  every  where,  indoors  and  out ;  and,  if  not  one 
of  the  cardinal  virtues,  every  husbandman,  and  husband- 
woman  too^  ought  to  be  willing  to  add  it  to  the  list.  It 
should  be  carried  into  the  family — there  should  be  or- 
der there.  Every  one  should  know  his  place,  and  his 
duty.  There  should  be  order  in  the  field,  and  in  all 
the  business  of  the  farm ;  there  should  be  order  every 
where.  "  Order  is  Heaven  s  first  law.''''  Let  it  never  be 
second  to  the  husbandman,  or  his  household ! 

Sixthly.  It  is  the  character  of  good  husbandry,  to 
be  constantly  improving. 

The  nineteenth  century  finds  all  things  around  us  pro- 
gressing. The  art,  or  the  business  which  does  not  make 
progress ;  is  like  the  by-stander  on  the  bank  of  a 
stream,  whom  the  current  soon  leaves  behind. 

While  the  inventions  and  discoveries,  in  the  mechanic 
arts,  and  manufactures,  within  thirty  years  past,  have, 
with  unexampled  rapidity,  been  acquiring  for  them  new 
skill,  and  increased  powers ;  agriculture  has  been,  com- 
paratively, stationary  ;  at  least,  progressed  with  a  slow- 
er step.  Government  has  exerted,  in  behalf  of  these, 
its  full  strength ;  leaving  this  to  its  own  protection. — 
And  we  feel  a  manly  pride,  in  confiding  this  important 
interest  to  its  natural  guardians  ;  a  virtuous^  intelligent^ 
and  enterprising  yeomanry.  Their  ingenuity  will  suggest 
new  modes  of  culture ;  new  kinds  of  crops ;  new 
branches  of  industry  ;  new  sources  of  wealth.  The 
great  staples  of  New  England  are  not  yet  settled. 
There  will  be  changes,  as  there  have  been,  unfriendly 
to  the  agricultural  interest.  The  cultivator,  therefore, 
must  adapt  his  system  of  culture,  to  the  circumstances, 
to  the  state  and  prospects  of  the  country. 


14 

The  consequences  resulting  to  New  England,  from 
the  construction  of  the  Erie  Canal,  Avhich  every  hus- 
bandman has,  more  or  less,  known  and  felt,  were  prompt- 
ly met ;  by  increased  attention  to  manufactures  and  to 
dairies  ;  the  growing  of  wool ;  and,  in  the  valley  of  the 
Connecticut,  the  raising  of  that  invaluable  plant,  the 
broom  corn  ;  with  other  kindred  improvements  in  agri- 
culture and  the  arts. 

But  no  branch  of  domestic  economy  offers  so  great 
encouragement  to  American  industry,  as  the  raising  of 
the  mulberry^  and  silk-worm. 

This  promises  to  the  North,  advantages  far  greater, 
than  the  cotton-growing,  or  gold  mines,  to  the  South. 

The  culture  of  silk  was  first  known  in  China  ;  where 
both  the  mulberry  and  the  silk-worm  are  of  spontane- 
ous growth.  According  to  Chinese  records,  it  com- 
menced there,  many  centuries  prior  to  the  Christian 
era.  This  delicate  manufacture,  in  all  its  mysterious 
branches,  was,  for  a  long  time,  under  the  exclusive  man- 
agement of  the  Empresses,  and  the  women  of  their 
households ;  but  was,  afterwards,  spread  among  all  the 
females  of  the  empire.  China  was  long  called  "  77i6 
inexhaustable  store-house  of  silk,^^  From  China,  it  made 
its  way  into  the  other  parts  of  Asia  ;  and  subsequently, 
into  Europe ;  successively,  into  Greece,  Italy,  France 
and  England.  Into  Greece  and  Italy,  many  centuries 
ago ;  into  France,  about  two  hundred  years  ago ;  more 
recently  into  England.  The  raw  material  is  still  raised, 
in  great  abundance,  in  these,  and  other  countries  of  the 
East ;  excepting  England  ;  her  climate  does  not  admit 
of  its  growth — the  skill  of  her  artists  is  exercised  in  the 
manufacture  alone. 

Nearly  one  hundred  years   ago,  the   growing   of  the 


mulberry-trcc  was  commenced  in  Georgia;  and, in  1766 
twenty  thousand  pounds  of  cocoons  were  exported  from 
tliat  State  ;  and  sold  in  England.  Soon  after,  a  similar 
beginning  was  made  in  Pennsylvania;  but  both  were 
discontinued  by  the  revolution. 

In  Connecticut,  sewing  silk  has  been  manufactured 
more  than  seventy  years.  The  product  of  the  town  of 
Mansfield  alone,  the  present  season,  is  estimated  at  eigh- 
ty five  thousand  dollars. 

About  thirty  years  ago,  this  article  was  manufactured, 
to  some  extent,  in  Amherst  in  this  county ;  and  several 
beautiful  webs  were  woven;  and  worn,  in  gowns  and 
handkerchiefs,  by  the  females,  whose  ingenuity  and 
skill  fabricated  them.  But  the  business  was  afterwards 
discontinued. 

The  culture  of  the  mulberry,  has  made  some  pro- 
gress, in  Delaware,  Ohio,  and,  I  believe,  some  other  of  the 
States  of  the  Union.  And  a  laudable  spirit,  character- 
istic of  the  people,  is  diffusing  itself  over  the  territory  of 
this  society. — There  are  within  its  limits,  about  twenty 
mulberry  orchards;  nurseries,  containing  plants,  suffi- 
cient to  set  over  hundreds  of  acres  ;  and  in  one  place,^ 
sewing  silk,  and  other  light  fabrics  are  manufactured. 
The  quantity  of  silk  stuffs,  manufactured  on  the  East- 
ern continent,  is  immense.  Though  once  an  article  of 
luxury,and  exchanged,  in  equal  weight,  for  gold,  and  after- 
wards, by  some  governments,  forbidden  to  be  used,  consid- 
ered as  extravagance ;  yet  it  is  now,  an  article  much  in 
use,  in  all  countries  ;  and  Avill,  in  all  probability,  in  our 
time,  become  as  common  for  wearing  apparel,  as  the 
fabrics,  made  of  flax  or  cotton. 

*  Belchertown. 


16 

Great  Britain  imports,  annually,  chiefly  from  Bengal, 
Italy,  China,  and  Turkey,  raw  silk,  to  supply  her  manu- 
factories, to  the  amount  of  more  than  seven  millions  of 
dollars ;  France  imports  from  the  same  places,  chiefly, 
more  than  twenty  millions  ;  besides  large  quantities  rais- 
ed in  her  own  territory ;  and  she  exports^  "  besides  a 
much  greater  saving  from  the  quantity  used  at  home," 
of  this  article  manufactured,  the  incredible  amount  of 
'''five  hundred  millions  of  dollars,'^'' 

The  records  of  the  treasury  show,  that  the  United 
States  imported,  in  five  years,  from  1821,  to  1825  inclu- 
sive, more  than  thirty  five  millions  of  dollars,  in  manu- 
factured silks.  Of  which  eight  millions  only  were  ex- 
ported 'y  leaving  to  be  used,  and  paidfor^  in  the  United 
States,  twenty  seven  millions ;  or  about  four  ayid  a  half 
millions  annually.  This  has  since  increased — and  the 
probable  consumption  of  silk  stuffs,  within  the  United 
States,  at  this  time,  is  between  seven  and  ten  millions^  an- 
nually. And  this  amount  increasing  in  a  ratio,  greater 
than  that  of  the  population  of  the  country.  This 
large  sum  is  to  be  paid  for ;  and  it  will  be  seen,  that 
our  exports,  from  New  England,  fall  short  of  doing  it. 

These  facts  show  the  importance  of  this  culture ; 
both  to  agriculturalists,  and  to  the  nation.  We  pay  for 
this  article,  manufactured  abroad,  an  annual  tax,  of  be- 
tween seven  and  ten  millions ;  Avhich  its  culture  would 
save — and,  in  a  few  years,  enable  us  to  export,  of  the 
same  material,  as  much  more.  Thus  saving  that  sum, 
"  twice  toldy  The  fact  also,  that  the  demand,  abroad, 
for  our  bread-stuffs,  is  constantly  diminishing ;  and  our 
exports  of  that  article,  annually,  decreasing,  adds  im- 
portance to  this  culture. 

Its  value  may  be  learned  from  the  estimation,  in  which 


17 

other  nations  have  liekl  it.  The  art  has  been  consid- 
ered as  mysterious;  and  artists,  skilled  in  it,  prohibited 
from  leaving  their  country,  under  severe,  and  I  beheve 
capital  punishments.  If  a  solitary  artist  eluded  this 
prohibition,  he  has  been  courted  in  other  countries,  and 
there  rewarded  with  a  princely  munificence.  As  late 
as  1823,  a  silk  manufacturer  of  Lyons,  in  France,  at 
the  solicitation  of  individual  manufacturers  in  England, 
went  there  to  introduce  certain  parts  of  his  art ;  and 
impart  some  portions  of  his  skill.  He  returned,  in  one 
year,  with  a  bonus  of  twenty  thousand  pounds  sterling — 
eighty  thousand  dollars.  On  his  return  to  France,  he 
was  prosecuted,  for  communicating  his  skill — but  had 
the  good  fortune  to  elude  the  penalty. 

In  England,  France,  Italy,  and  China,  this  manufac- 
ture could  not  be  valued.  It  is,  equally,  above  price,  here. 
Our  climate,  and  our  soil,  are  equally  adapted  to  it ;  and 
will  raise  the  raw  material  in  greater  abundance  ;  and 
of  a  finer,  richer,  and  superior  quality. 

It  is  proved  by  actual  experiment ;  that  the  mulberry 
will  flourish  equally  well,  in  all  parts  of  the  United 
States ;  unless  it  be  the  extreme  North  and  South  ; 
that  the  silk-worm,  in  all  its  mysterious  forms,  grows 
and  works,  as  Avell  here,  as  in  the  East,  and  even  bet- 
ter ;  that  the  whole  process  from  the  egg,  to  the  wind- 
ing and  finishing  of  the  cocoon,  is  accomplished  in  thir- 
ty one  days ;  whereas  the  same  process,  in  the  East, 
occupies  from  forty  five  to  forty  seven  days :  that  the 
cocoons  produced  here,  are  larger,  and  of  a  more  uni- 
form size  ;  evincing  clearly  the  uniform  health  of  the 
worms,  that  wind  them ;  and  that  the  silk  extracted 
from  them,  is  of  a  finer,  stronger,  and  more  beautijid 
texture. 

3 


18 

It  deserves  tlie  notice  of  husbandmen,  also,  that  the 
whole  business  may  be  done  in  sixty  days  ;  principally, 
in  the  months  of  May  and  June ;  Avhen  labor  on  a  farm 
is  not  so  much  needed  ;  and  by  women  and  children. 
The  fabric  surely  not  of  less  value,  because  wrought 
by  fairer  hands. 

Experience  has  not  yet  taught  this  country,  the  net 
produce  of  one  acre.  It  has  been  estimated  from  two 
to  twelve  hundred  dollars.  If  the  less  of  these  ex- 
tremes be  considered  as  the  more  correct  sum ;  even 
in  this  case,  a  profit  is  yielded,  far  greater  than  that  aris- 
ing from  the  culture  of  any  other  article  known  in  the 
United  States.  It  offers  immense  wealth  to  New  Ens:- 
land  industry ;  and  seems  one  of  the  choicest  gifts  of 
Providence  to  this  highly  favored  land. 

That  an  insect  so  minute ;  emerging  from  an  egg^  of 
the  size  of  a  pin's  head ;  should  wind,  Jrom  itself^  a 
thread  of  so  great  length ;  of  the  finest,  richest,  and 
most  delicate  fabric ;  in  one  month,  arriving  at  ma- 
turity, and  finishing  its  work ;  encircling  itself  with  the 
web  so  nicely  wound,  as  with  its  shroud  ;  is  one  of  the 
mysteries  of  Nature  ;  presenting,  as  it  does,  the  riches 
of  a  world,  in  the  compass  of  a  nutshell. 

I  am  now  to  consider — 

II.  The  character  of  good  husbandmen  ;  connected 
with  their  social^  civil,  and  moral  duties. 

1.  A  good  husbandman  will  value  his  time.  Time 
is  the  highest  gift  of  God.  We  are  never  to  waste  or 
misspend  it.  It  is  not  our  own.  The  man,  who  com- 
mits suicide,  is  justly  pronounced  a  violator  of  the  Di- 
vine Law ;  while  he,  who  wastes  his  time  in  idleness, 
is  thought  guiltless.  The  cases  are,  nevertheless,  par- 
allel; differing,  in  degree,  only.     The  one  goes  into  the 


19 

presence  of  his  Maker,  uncalled  for,  (o  render  liis  ac- 
count :  llie  other,  although  more  tardy  In  his  approach, 
as  surely  goes  to  the  same  retribution  !  No  time,  in 
hfe,  is  allotted  to  inaction.  Nature  has  no  blanks.  When 
years  render  a  man  incapable  of  acting ;  he  is,  immedi- 
uteJy,  ''gathered  to  his  fm^fathers  ;"  his  days  having  been 
"  numbered  and  finished,''^  No  time  is  given  the  hus- 
bandman, for  sloth  or  pastime.  If  the  steward,  who 
neglected  to  improve  his  talent  of  silver,  was  worthy  of 
reproof ;  of  how  much  severer  reproof  is  he  worthv,  who 
neglects  to  improve  his  time  ;  a  talent  infinitely  more 
precious,  than  those  of  gold  and  silver. 
2.  He  will  make  the  best  use  of  time. 

1.  Because  it  is  for  his  interest  ;  as  well  as  his  duty. 
Industry  is  a  sure  pledge  of  wealth.  It  diffuses  health, 
over  the  body ;  and  vigor,  through  the  mind.  Nature 
has  established  an  unvarying  connection  between  our 
wants,  which  are  constantly  urging  us  to  exertion ;  and 
our  happiness.  He,  who  rises  early,  and  steadily  pur- 
sues the  business  of  the  day,  greets  the  evening,  with 
no  unpleasant  thought  in  his  mind ;  or  evil  purpose  in 
his  heart.     He  rejoices  in  the  labor  of  his  hands. 

2.  He  will  make  the  best  use  of  his  time,  because  it 
is  short.  Deducting  childhood ;  days  appropriated  to 
rest ;  and  hours,  to  sleep  :  what  may  be  claimed  for 
sickness  and  the  calls  of  humanity  and  charity ;  a  small 
portion  only  remains  for  active  duty. 

3.  He  will  make  the  best  use  of  time  ;  because,  much 
is  to  be  done.  The  whole  earth  is  to  be  subdued,  and  made 
habitable  and  productive  ;  and  its  whole  population,  civil- 
ized. And  this  is  to  be  accomplished,  principally,  by 
husbandmen.  It  is  tlieir  appropriate  business.  Their 
right  hand,  aided   by    the  mighty   energies   of  Nature, 


20 

every  where  developing  themselves,  is  destined  to  sub- 
due the  earth ;  and  prepare  it  for  the  great  events, 
which  are  after  to  follow.  Let  every  one,  therefore, 
gird  on  his  strength ;  putting  forth  his  first  efforts,  on 
his  own  farm  ;  making  Eden  his  jjattern. 

"  Every  valley  is  to  be  exahigd ;  and  every  mountain 
and  hill  made  low ;  the  desert  blossom  as  the  rose  ; 
and  the  solitary  place  be  made  glad." 

Does  any  one  doubt  the  accomplishment  of  these  and 
similar  predictions  ;  let  "  the  sure  word  of  prophccy^^  si- 
lence that  doubt. 

Let  late  discoveries,  in  chemistry,  and  philosophy,  of 
new  combinations ;  of  new  principles  and  powers  ;  and 
their  application  to  scientific  and  mechanical  purposes ; 
let  the  late  improvements  in  roads  and  canals  ;  the  un- 
told advantages  of  labor-saving  machines;  with  the 
uncontrolled  enexgies  of  steam  ;  silence  that  doubt. 

Let  mountains  of  granite,  torn  from  their  foundations  ; 
divided  and  fashioned,  at  the  will  of  the  workman  ;  car- 
ried into  all  parts  of  the  land ;  forming  magnificent 
dwellings ;  and  stupendous  monuments  of  art ;  silence 
that  doubt. 

If  the  efforts  of  thirty  years,  without  impidse,  have 
produced  these  astonishing  effects  ;  who  can  calculate 
the  mighty  results  of  a  coming  century  ?  The  decree  has 
gone  forth.  The  earth  must  be  renovated  ;  and  its  popu- 
lation civilized  and  Christianized  also. 

The  mountains,  ranging  behind,  and  the  beautiful  val- 
ley, spreading  itself,  before  us  ;  may  become  the  scenes 
of  these  wondrous  operations.  Mount  Holyoke  too; 
now  proudly  rising  above  ;  may  be  brought  down ;  and 
its  stones,  converted  into  workshops,  and  villages,  and 
temples,  on  the  level,  below. 


21 

Does  any  one  doubt,  that  the  whole  population  of  the 
earth,  shall  be  enlightened,  and  purified,  and  Christian- 
ized; let  the  powerful  moral  causes,  now  in  operation, 
silence  that  doubt. 

Let  the  two  hundred  Missionary  stations,  the  thousand 
Christian  Missionaries,  from  the  United  States  and  Eu- 
rope, scattered  over  heathen  lands,  and  the  islands  of 
the  seas ;  the  fifty  thousand  hopeful  converts  from  hea- 
thenism to  vital  Christianity  ;  with  the  five  hundred  thou- 
sand heathen  children  in  Christian  schools ;  all  the  fruits 
of  a  few  years  ;  silence  that  doubt. 

Let  the  three  hundred  thousand  copies  of  the  Bible, 
issued  by  the  United  States ;  the  seven  millions  and  a 
half,  issued  by  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society ; 
printed  in  missionary  presses ;  and  in  most  of  the  langua- 
ges on  the  globe ;  and  all  now  open,  and  read,  by  as 
many  millions  of  immortals,  put  that  doubt  at  rest. 

Let  the  eleven  millions  of  tracts,  issued  in  one  year ; 
and  other  uncounted  numbers  issued  in  previous  years, 
by  the  London  Tract  society ;  the  two  hundred  and  sev- 
enty millions  of  tract-pages,  issued  by  the  American  So- 
ciety ;  all  wafted,  as  by  the  breath  of  the  Almighty,  over 
all  lands,  like  the  leaves  of  the  tree  of  life,  "  for  the 
healing  of  the  nations,"  command  that  doubt  to  "  be  stiW^ 
The  whole  earth  shall  be  filled  with  the  knowledge,  and 
glory  of  God. 

Secondly,  A  good  husbandman  will  make  the  best 
use  of  his  property. 

As  a  steward,  he  will  feel  this  to  be  his  duty. 

].  He  will  not  contract  debts.  This  is  making  a  bad 
use  of  property.  Contracting  debt  is  pledging  all  to  the 
creditor  ;  a  stake  too  fill  of  hazard.  It  is  also  staking 
personal  liberty ;  at  which  nature  recoils.     It  is  barter- 


22 

iiig  tliat  noble  independence  of  mind,  and  thought,  which 
ought  to  animate  every  cuUivator  of  the  soil.  Debt  is 
like  a  canker,  which  never  ceases  to  waste  ;  and  never 
fails  to  destroy.  The  progress,  from  debt  to  ruin,  is  as 
certain  as  the  course  of  Nature.  A  man,  in  debt,  may 
read  his  future  history,  in  the  fate  of  others,  as  certaii> 
ly,  as  an  astronomer  can  calculate  an  eclipse ;  or,  the 
hour  and  minute  of  the  rising,  or  setting  of  the  sun. 
A  Bank  debt,  or  mortgage,  is  as  sure  foreboding  of  ruin 
to  the  husbandman  ;  as  the  morning  dram ;  or  evening 
revel.  There  may  be  cases,  when  one  may  pledge  his 
farm,ybr  part  of  the  consideration  of  the  purchase  ;  but 
that  part  should  be  small ;  and  such  cases  rare, 

2.  He  will  not  lay  up  property  for  his  children.  No 
error  is  more  common,  or  more  destructive,  than  this. 
Nature  has  ordained,  that  every  generation  shall  provide 
for  itself.  The  young  animal,  of  every  species,  is  left 
of  its  dam,  as  soon  as  capable  of  protecting  itself ;  or, 
providing  for  its  own  wants.  The  reason  of  this  provis- 
ion applies,  with  double  force^  to  our  species.  We  have 
mind,  as  well  as  strength,  to  aid  in  our  defence  and  sup 
port.  Besides,  we  need  the  stimulus  of  providing  for 
ourselves,  to  invigorate  mind  and  body. 

Property  inherited  oftener  proves  a  curse,  than  a  bles- 
sing. The  manna  in  the  wilderness,  gathered  for  the 
succeeding  day,  became  offensive.  In  the  strong  and 
expressive  language  of  inspiration,  "  it  stank,^^  A  stri- 
king representation  of  property,  laid  up  for  children! 
We  have  no  warrant  for  doing  this.  Property  is  given, 
for  use,  as  much  as  bodily  strength ;  and,  when  hoarded 
up,  is  haunted  with  anxiety  and  perplexity,  as  the  re- 
ward. 

If  any  one  doubts  the    truth  of  these  remarks ;    let 


23 

him  look  round  ;  and  count  the  men  of  property,  and  in- 
fluence, and  usefuhiess,  in  his  neiglibourhood,  and  town : 
who  began  with  the   inheritance  of  their  fathers.      No 
arithmetic  will  be  necessary  to  finish  the  computation. 
3.  He  will  use  his  property  in  the  education  of  his  sons. 
The  agriculturist  sustains  an  honorable  rank,  and  acts 
an  imporant  part,  in  society.      His  labor  and  skill  pro- 
duces all^  which  every  other  class  consumes.     He  ought,' 
therefore,  to  be  thoroughly  acquainted  with  the  nature 
of  his  employment.  He  should  call  to  his  aid  the  sciences ; 
especially,  chemistry  and  natural  philosophy  ;  which  are 
intimately  connected  with  the  science  of  agriculture ;  in 
as  much,  as  they  show  the  properties  of  soils,  and  ma- 
nures ;    and  their  adaptation  to  the  various  classes  of 
vegetation. 

He  ought  to  be  acquainted  with  the  geography,  the 
natural  and  civil  history  of  his  own,  and  of  other  coun- 
tries. And  his  mind,  and  thoughts,  and  character,  should 
be  elevated,  by  a  knowledge  of  general  literature. 

He  should  understand  the  condition  and  wants  of  the 
uncivihzed  millions,  inhabiting  the  earth  ;  for,  he  must 
aid  in  their  emancipation  from  heathenism. 

As  a  citizen  of  a  great  Republic,  and,  as  a  freeman, 
he  should  understand  his  rights :  the  foundation,  on 
which  they  rest :  and  the  principles,  which  should  gov- 
ern their  exercise.  Liberty  is  yet  striving  for  her  do- 
minion, on  the  earth.  Her  last  struggle  with  despotism 
and  depravity  is  at  hand.  Over  this  united  host,  this 
unholy  alliance,  she  will  triumph.  But  this  victory  is  to 
be  achieved,  by  corresponding  efforts  of  her  friends. 
Every  proprietor  of  the  soil  should  be  armed  for  the 
conflict,  with  all  the  panoply,  which  knowledge  and  pa- 
triotism can  supply. 


24 

He  should  regard  the  character  of  his  rulers.  It  is 
true,  every  where ;  that  the  character  of  the  people, 
is  identified  with  the  character  of  their  rulers.  It  is 
emphatically  true,  in  this  land  of  liberty  ;  where  public 
opinion  is  the  supreme  law.  Great  responsibility,  there- 
fore, rests  on  every  husbandman,  in  selecting  those,  who 
are  to  rule.  His  own  character  will  be  judged  by 
theirs.  Let  the  language  of  inspiration  and  experience, 
be  remembered  :  "  When  the  wicked  bear  rule,  the  peo- 
ple mourn.'^^ 

4.  A  good  husbandman  will  also  educate  well  his 
daughters.  I  distinguish  the  education  of  daughters 
from  that  of  sons  ;  because,  Nature  has  designed  them 
to  occupy  places,  in  family,  and  in  society,  altogether 
dissimilar. 

Daughters  should  be  well  instructed,  in  the  useful  sci- 
ences ;  comprising  a  good  English  education  :  including  a 
thorough  knowledge  of  our  own  language, geography,  his- 
tory, mathematics  and  natural  philosophy.  The  female 
mind,  so  sensitive,  so  susceptible  of  improvement,  should 
not  be  neglected.  This  sensibility  presents  strong  claims 
for  its  culture.     God  hath  designed  nothing  in  vain. 

Daughters  should,  also,  be  thoroughly  acquainted 
with  the  business  and  cares  of  a  family.  These  are 
among  the  first  objects  of  woman's  creation  ;  they  ought 
to  be  among  the  first  branches  of  her  education.  She 
was  made  for  a  mother.  They  should  learn  neatness, 
economy,  industry  and  sobriety.  These  will  constitute 
their  ornaments.  No  vermillion  will  be  necessary  to 
give  colour,  or  expression  to  the  countenance ;  no  arti- 
ficial supports,  to  give  shape,  or  torture,  to  the  body. 
Nature  will  appear,  in  all  her  loveliness  of  proportion, 
and  beauty ;  and  modesty,  unaffected  gentleness  of  man- 


25 

ner  will  render  them,  amiable^  in  the  kitchen  and  dining- 
room  ;  and  ornaments  to  tlic  sitting-room  and  parlor. 

How  enviable  the  parents  of  such  a  daughter.  How 
lovely  the  daughter  herself.  How  happy  the  husband 
of  such  a  wife.  Thrice  happy  the  children  of  such  a 
mother.  They  shall  rise  up  and  call  her  blessed ;  and 
her  memory  shall  live. 

The  influence  of  the  female  character  cannot  he  esti- 
mated. It  is  decisive  of  the  character  of  the  other  sex. 
If  her  character  be  pure,  and  elevated,  and  without  re- 
proach ;  such  will  be  the  character  of  the  other  sex. 
There  is  no  man,  so  much  a  monster,  that  he  would  dare 
to  be  vicious,  in  the  presence  of  a  modest  and  virtuous 
woman.  Her  character  is  a  shield  against  even  the 
solicitation  to  vice. 

Every  thing,  domestic  or  social  depends  on  the  fe- 
male character.  As  daughters  and  sisters,  they  decide 
the  character  of  the  family.  As  wives,  they,  emphati- 
cally decide  the  character  of  their  husbands ;  and  their 
condition  also.  It  has  been  7iot  unmeaningly  said  ;  that 
the  husband  must  ask  his  wife,  whether  he  may  be 
respected.  He  certainly  must  inquire  at  her  altar; 
whether  he  may  be  prosperous,  or  happy.  As  mothers, 
they  decide  the  character  of  their  children.  Eternity 
only  can  disclose  the  consequences.  Nature  has  consti- 
tuted them  the  early  guardians  and  instructors  of  their 
children ;  and  clothed  them  with  sympathies,  suited  to 
this  important  trust.  Who,  that  had  a  pious  and  faith- 
ful mother,  can,  without  emotion,  call  to  mind  her  early 
solicitudes,  and  prayers,  and  counsels,  in  his  behalf.'*  Such 
remembrance  shall  not  cease  to  warm  and  enrich  the 
heart,  so  long  as  clothed  with  mortality.  And,  of  this 
4 


26 

and  of  that^  it  shall  be  said  in  Heaven,  He  had  a  faith- 
ful., a  pious  mother ! 

In  this  age,  characterized  by  so  many  benevolent  ef- 
forts ;  I  have  wondered  that  mothers  have  not  associa- 
ted ;  for  the  improvement  of  their  daughters  ;  in  the  do- 
mestic and  social  relations  and  duties.  Such  an  association, 
though  more  humble  in  its  pretensions,  would  not  be  less 
useful  in  its  fruits ;  than  the  most  imposing  unions. 

Half  the  wretchedness^  and  7nisery,  in  families,  arising 
from  the  temper^  or  want  of  economy  in  the  wife ;  has 
not  been  told.  Not  even  the  bestial  habit  of  drunken- 
ness in  the  husband  produces  more  disastrous  conse- 
quences. To  this  cause,  also,  may  be  attributed  many 
of  the  vices  of  the  husband.  He  will  not  love  home  ; 
if  his  f  reside  is  rendered  uncomfortable  or  unpleasant. 
And  when  the  love  of  home  is  gone  ;  the  man  is  lost. 
There  is  no  redemption.     Better  that  he  had  not  been ! 

The  appearance  of  the  husband ;  and  the  condition 
of  the  children,  faithfully  express  the  character  of  the 
wife.  If  she  be  the  neat,  prudent,  modest,  and  dignified 
woman;  her  husband  will  proclaim  it,  wherever  he 
goes  ;  in  his  countenance,  in  his  apparel,  in  his  whole 
demeanour :  it  is  inscribed  on  every  thing  about  him. 
The  children,  also,  will  be  modest  and  manly ;  in  clean 
and  whole  apparel.  If  she  chance  to  possess  the  oppo- 
site qualities  -,  her  husband  will  be  uneasy,  and  fretful, 
and  gloomy,  he  knows  not  why :  and  her  children,  impu- 
dent and  ugly ;  their  apparel,  unmended  and  unwashed. 

These  appearances  ;  and  they  are  not  images  of  fan- 
cy ;'  as  surely  foretel  the  ruin  of  a  family  as  does  the 
thunder  cloud,  the  rain ;  or,  the  rumbling  of  the  moun- 
tain,   the  bursting  of  a  volcano. 

How  important  then,  that  every  husbandman  should 


27 

educate  loell  his  dauglitci-s  :  chcrishinjr  and  maturing  all 
that  excellence  of  mind  and  temper ;  and  sincerity  of 
heart;  which  belong  to  her  sex,  and  preeminently  fit 
her  for  the  endearing  relations  of  cki/d,  of  sister,  of  wife, 
and  of  mother. 

How  important,  also,  to  every  young  man,  that  he  be 
blessed  with  such  a  connection. 

It  cannot  be  too  often,  or  too  strongly  impressed  up 

on  the  minds  of  fathers,  and  of  mothers  too  ;  that  their 

daughters   hold,  in  their  keeping,   the  destinies  of  the 

present;    and   at  least,  of  the  next  generation.     How 

desirable,  too,  that  their  other  virtues  be   clothed  with 

piety.     Pious  women  have  ever  been  highly  favored  of 

Heaven.     They  were  first  to  listen  at  the  feet  of  the 

Saviour ;  first  to  weep  at  his  sufferings  ;    last  to  linger 

around  his  cross  ;  first  to  worship  at  his  sepulchre ;  to 

them,^r5^,  was  announced  the  resurrection.     They  shall 

stand  nearest  his  throne. 

Thirdly.  A  good  husbandman  will  promote  the  best 
interests  of  society. 

This  requires, 

1.  Temperance ;  or  abstaining  from  ihe  use  of  ardent 
spirits.  Much  has  been  written,  and  done,  on  this  sub- 
ject ;  and  yet  the  half  has  not  been  revealed.  A  glance 
only  can  be  expected,  in  this  place.  It  has  been  com- 
monly thought,  that  ardent  spirits  are  necessary  for  la- 
boring men.  No  doctrine  can  be  more  pernicious. 
It  is  proved  by  actual  chemical  experiment ;  that  ar- 
dent spirits  contain  no  nourishment ;  but  a  poison,  dele- 
terious, fatal. 

Experience  is  every  where  unvarying,  that  more  labor 
can  be  performed  ;  both  in  the  field  and  in  the  shop, 
without  them — and  in  a  better  manner,  with  better 
health,  and  longer  life. — That,  wherever  ardent  spirits 


28 

are  used,  there  follow  in  train,  most  of  the  evils  Avhich 
pollute  and  afflict  society :  pauperism,  mental  debase- 
ment, moral  degradation,  a  total  prostration  of  every 
domestic  virtue  and  comfort ;  crime,  premature  death — 
and  the  loss  of  the  soul !  And  when  the  sea  shall  give 
up  her  dead,  and  disclose  the  losses,  sufferings  and  hor- 
rors, on  this  element,  occasioned  by  ardent  spirits;  a 
still  more  apalling  account  shall  be  rendered. 

The  expense,  too,  is  overwhelming.  It  was  compu- 
ted, fine  years  ago,  before  the  temperance  reform  be- 
gan; that  ardent  spirits,  with  attendant  losses  and  sac- 
rifices, cost  the  United  States,  annually^  one  hundred  mil- 
lions ;  and  thirty  thousand  lives  ;  besides  a  larger  num- 
ber, by  their  use,  predisposed  to  disease. 

But  there  is  a  redeeming  spirit.  More  than  three 
thousand  societies,  on  the  plan  of  entire  abstinence,  are 
in  operation,  in  the  United  States.  Of  this  number, 
nineteen  are  State  Societies.  These  number  three  hun- 
dred thousand  members  ;  and  are  exerting  a  salutary  in- 
fluence over  a  vastly  greater  number.  Similar  associa- 
tions are  formed  in  the  other  quarters  of  the  globe. 
The  desolation  begins  to  be  stayed ;  and  where  stayed 
is  every  where  followed,  by  the  spirit  of  God. 

2.  In  promoting  the  interests  of  society,  the  husband- 
man ought  to  regard  the  expenditures  of  government. 

In  the  language  of  our  Bill  of  Rights,  "  government  is 
instituted  for  the  common  good ;  and  not  for  the  profit, 
honour,  or  private  interests,  of  any  man,  family,  or  class 
of  men."  The  emoluments  of  office  ought,  therefore, 
to  be  ample  ;  yet,  in  proportion  to  services  rendered.  If 
too  great,  extravagance  is  the  consequence  ;  the  public 
mind,  also,  becomes  the  more  disturbed  and  agitated  in 
the  greater  struggles  for  office. 


29 

I  submit  the  following  facts,  relative  to  the  expenses 
of  this  commonwealth. 

The  salary  of  governor  was  earlj  fixed,  at  eleven  hun- 
dred pounds.  It  was  soon  after  reduced  to  eight  hun- 
dred :  and  so  continued,  for  thirty  years  ;  during  the 
administrations  of  Hancock,  S.  Adams,  Strong,  Sullivan, 
and  other  patriots :  times  of  great  pecuniary  embarass- 
ment ;  and  great  political  excitement.  It  1819,  it  was 
raised  to  the  former  sum,  83,366.66;  and  so  continues. 
Immediately  after  this,  Maine  became  a  State  ;  lessen- 
ing the  duties  of  the  governor ;  and,  the  revenues  of 
the  State  ;  one  third.  And  it  is  well  known  that  three 
dollars  now  will  purchase  as  much  for  a  family's  use,  as 
four  in  1819. 

The  Lieut,  governor  receives  §533.33  for  which  he 
renders  no  service ;  except  bearing  the  title. 

The  Attorney  and  Solicitor  General  receive,  each,  a 
salary  of  S2,000.  One  can  easily  perform  the  duties  of 
both. 

In  addition  to  the  salary  of  two  thousand  dollars  each, 
to  the  Secretary  and  Treasurer ;  and  one  thousand  and 
five  hundred  dollars  to  the  Adjutant  General ;  we  p^jfor 
clerks  and  clcrk-hire,in  those  three  offices,  annually,  more 
than  six  thousand  dollars  :  relieving  the  incumbents,  more 
than  the  treasury.  The  business  may  he  faithfully  done, 
for  half  that  sum. 

We  pay  annually,  ohout  fifty  thousand  dollars,  for  the 
support  of  State  paupers.  One  half  that  sum  would 
equally  well  support  them ;  if  the  responsibility  rested 
on  towns. 

We  pay  to  the  judges  of  the  court  of  Common  Pleas, 
two  thousand  and  pne  hundred  dollars,  to  the  Chief  Jus- 
tice, and  one  thousand  and  eight  hundred,  to  each  of  his 


30 

associates,  for  spending  one  third  of  their  time^  in  public 
duty. 

Whether  these  all  are  the  just  reward  of  services  ren- 
dered ;  whether  consistent  with  a  just  regard  to  "  a  wise 
economy ;"  and  Republican  principles ;  let  the  people 
judge. 

Our  militia  system  is  also  a  burthen  ;  from  which  the 
people  ought  to  be  relieved. 

This  is  a  tax  principally  on  labor  :  and  falls  heavily 
on  the  cultivators  of  the  soil — laboring  men  fill  the 
ranks — the  rich  are  rarely  found  there.  The  actual  ex- 
pense^ of  the  militia,  in  time  and  money,  exceeds  all  the 
school  taxes  in  the  State.  This  is  worse  than  thrown 
away.  Its  tendency  is  to  demoralize.  Discipline  gains 
nothing ;  and  nothing  is  gained  on  the  score  of  defence. 
The  defence  of  a  nation  consists  in  the  strength  and 
patriotism  of  individuals.  We  need  an  organization, 
bringing  into  the  ranks,  every  man  capable  of  bearing 
arms,  with  rarely  an  exemption ;  and  a  rigid  annual  ex- 
aminatian  of  arms  ;  and  no  more.  This  is  all  the  laws 
of  the  United  States  require,  or  the  country  demands. 
If  any  one  doubts  the  efficiency  of  fire  arms  and  patriot- 
ism, without  epauletts  and  feathers;  let  him  look  to 
Bunker  hill.  If  he  need  more,  let  him  cast  his  eye 
across  the  Atlantic,  to  Poland. 

3.  In  promoting  the  best  interests  of  society,  one 
other  subject  of  increasing  moment,  requires  the  consid- 
eration of  husbandmen :  Imprisonment  for  debt.  This 
is  a  relict  of  ancient  barbarism — and  to  the  honor  of 
this  nation,  in  most  States  of  the  Union,  done  away.  It 
ought  to  be  abolished  at  once :  and  the  debtor,  who  se- 
cretes his  property;  or,  defrauds  his  creditor;  j)uuished 
us  a  criminal,  or  as  a  felon. 


31 

1.  Because  it  is  wrong  in  principle — a  waste  of  time ; 
and  loss  of  labor.  The  God  of  Nature  has  given  us 
limited  control  over  our  offspring;  necessity  givesralike 
control,  over  the  violators  of  its  laws.  But  personal 
liberty  is  born  with  every  child  of  Adam  ;  and  is  unal- 
icnable^  with  the  above  exceptions.  We  hold  our  per- 
sonal liberty,  by  the  same  tenure,  we  hold  our  lives ; 
and.  we  have  no  better  authority  for  surrendering  the 
one  ;  than  taking  tlie  other. 

2.  Because  it  is  unproductive.  In  nine  cases  out  of 
ten,  enough  is  not  obtained,  to  pay  for  time  lost^  and  ex- 
pense of  commitment. 

3.  Because  it  is  impolitic.  It  drives  from  the  State^ 
a  large  portion  of  our  intelligent  and  enterprising  popu- 
lation :  and  population  is  wealth.  "  These  are  my  rich- 
e5,"  said  the  Roman,  showing  his  children.  This  is  the 
class  most  exposed  to  hazards  and  losses ;  on  sea  and 
on  land.  And  to  this  class,  the  world  owes  every  thing 
good  or  great.  To  this  class  we  owe  this  great  and  good 
land,  in  which  we  dwell.  To  this  class  civilization  owes 
all  the  improvements,  which  adorn  and  enrich  the  earth. 
While  the  money-lender  is  calculating  his  interest,  se- 
curely ;  sucking  the  life-blood  of  the  borrower ;  the  en- 
terprising man  is  spreading  his  canvass  to  the  uncertain 
winds ;  or,  opening  new  mines  of  wealth,  to  his  coun- 
try ;  dignifying  the  spirit,  which  inhabits  mortality. 

4.  Because  it  is  opposed  to  the  principles  of  religion. 
The  prophet  wrought  a  miracle  to  save  from  imprison- 
ment, by  a  creditor,  the  two  sons  of  the  poor  widow. 
Our  Saviour  came  "  to  proclaim  liberty  to  the  captives  ; 
and  the  opening  of  the  prison  to  them  that  are  bound.'''' 
And,  by  a  parable,  he  rebuked,  and  severely  punished 
too,  the  servant,  who  had  committed  his  fellow  to  prison, 
for  debt. 


32 

If  our  state  constitution  oppose  objections  to  an  im- 
mediate abolition ;  then,  extend  the  gaol-limits  to  the 
boundjof  each  county.  If  you  dare  not  kill  the  law, 
you  may  take  away  its  life,  A  practice  like  this,  in 
principle,  has  been  sanctioned,  for  thirty  years,  by  the 
congress  of  the  United  states ;  in  repealing  the  law,  es- 
tablishing the  court ;  when  they  could  not  directly  re- 
move the  judge.  The  same  thing  has  been  repeatedly 
done  here,  in  the  successive  statutes,  establishing  new 
courts  of  Common  Pleas,  and  sessions :  and  repealing 
the  old  laws. 

There  ought  to  be  no  delay  in  this  matter.  The  ap 
peal  is  distinctly  made  to  husbandmen. 

Fourthly,  But  the  husbandman  is  called  to  the  ex- 
ercise of  higher  and  more  important  duties  :  of  a  moral 
and  religious  character. 

Religion  and  morality,  though  as  distinct  in  their  na- 
ture, as  the  colours  of  the  rainbow ;  like  them  are  as- 
similated, and  often  blended  together.  I  speak  of  them 
unitedly,  without  stopping  to  mark  their  distinction. 
On  these  depend  all  our  security  of  property,  charac- 
ter, and  life.  Without  their  unseen,  and  controlling  influ- 
ence, the  world  would  become  what  bad  men  would 
have  it,  a  scene  of  violence  and  crime.  Washington 
once  said :  "  Of  all  the  dispositions,  that  lead  to  political 
prosperity,  religion  and  morality  are  indispensable." 
The  influence  of  these  should  be  diflused,  every  where, 
like  the  air  we  breathe ;  directing,  purijying,  and  con- 
troling.  To  these  the  civil  power,  especially  in  this  Re- 
public, owes  all  its  strength,  and  efliciency.  These, 
therefore,  the  husbandman  will  cherish ;  as  a  duty  to 
himself,  his  family,  his  country,  and  his  God.  Educa- 
tion, so  desirable  under  other  circumstances,  without  these. 


33 

is  rather  to  be  dreaded,  than  encouraged.  Knowledge 
is  power  :  and  power,  witliout  moral  restraint,  carries 
with  it  terror.  We  fear  tlie  rage  of  an  animal,  wild  or 
furious;  the  violence  of  the  elements,  a  tempest  or  a 
flood;  because  they  possess  power,  without  moral  re- 
straint. We  startle  at  the  coils  of  the  serpent;  be- 
cause, though  less  powerful,  he  has  subtlety :  and  we 
fear  the  highwayman  and  assasin ;  because,  they  possess 
knowledge,  without  moral  restraint.  How  important,  that 
knowledge  be  controled  by  goodness.  Let  religion  and 
morality  be  inscribed  on  the  door-posts  of  every  hus- 
bandman. 

Of  the  numerous  moral  and  religious  institutions,  clus- 
tering around.     I  select  three,  as  worthy  of  special  notice. 

First.     The  observance  of  the  sabbath, 

1.  The  sabbath  marks  an  important  division  of  time  : 
and  contributes  more  to  the  order  and  regularity  of  so- 
ciety, than  any  other  division  of  time  ;  that  of  day  and 
night  excepted.  It  also  contributes  much  to  cleanliness, 
and  health. 

2.  The  sanctification  of  the  sabbath,  is  a  religious  duty, 
obligatory  on  all,  God  has  commanded,  "  Remember  the 
sabbath  day,  and  keep  it  holy  ;"  this  command  is  often 
repeated  ;  written  with  his  ow^n  hand  ;  "  on  a  table  of 
stone  ;"  and  of  enduring  fate.  With  a  seeming  refer- 
erence  to  husbandmen,  lest  they  should,  on  such  occa- 
sions transgress ;  this  command  is  solemnly  repeated, 
"  In  earing  time  and  harvest,  thou  shall  rest.^^  The 
practice,  therefore,  of  gathering  hay  or  grain,  on  the 
sabbath ;  which  has  been,  by  some,  deemed  a  matter 
of  necessity,  is  without  warrant,  and  against  the  positive 
command  of  Him,  who  is  "  Lord  of  the  sabbath ;"  and 
"  of  the  harvest,'''^  also. 

5 


34 

Visiting  iielcls,  salting  cattle,  removing  them  from  one 
pasture  to  another,  and  all  kinds  of  labor,  are  equally 
forbidden — "  Thou  shalt  do  no  work  therein^'^  is  the  com- 
mand. 

3.  It  is  for  the  interest^  as  well  as  the  duty  of  husband- 
men to  observe  the  sabbath^  and  keep  it  holyJ^^  The  keep- 
ing of  the  sabbath  prepares  the  mind,  as  well  as  the 
body,  for  the  faithful  discharge  of  the  duties  of  the 
week.  The  experience  also  of  every  one  testifies ;  that 
more  labor,  or  business,  during  the  year,  may  be  accom- 
plished in  six  days  of  the  week,  than  in  the  whole  seven. 
The  seventh  day  is  as  much  designed,  and  required,ybr 
rest ;  as  the  night,  for  sleep.  Such  is  our  constitution. 
On  this  principle,  the  Jews  were  commanded,  to  let 
their  lands  lie  uncultivated,  every  seventh  year;  and 
thus  keep  a  sabbath. 

4.  JYo  design,  formed  on  the  sabbath ;  or  business  then 
done  ;  ever  prospers  well  This  has  been  the  universal 
testimony  of  all  good  men.  If  any  man  will  look  back 
on  his  own  life,  and  examine  his  own  thoughts,  he  will 
need  no  further  evidence.  Breaches  of  the  sabbath 
have  been  signally  punished,  from  the  days  of  Elijah, 
until  now.  More  persons  have  been  drowned,  on  the 
sabbath,  in  New  England ;  than  on  all  other  days  of  the 
week.  The  divine  displeasiire  has  been  as  strongly  ex- 
pressed, in  other  ways. 

5.  JYothing  is  ever  gained  by  laboring  on  the  sabbath. 
Even  in  harvest,  it  will  be  generally,  if  not  always 
found ;  that  the  succeeding  monday,  although  the  sab- 
bath be  fair,  is  better  suited  to  secure  the  labors  of  the 
preceding,  stormy  week. 

6.  Our  cattle,  horses,  servants,  hired  men  and  women, 
are  to  rest  on  the  sabbath  ;  as  well  as  our  own  families. 


35 

"'  Thou,  tliy  man-servant,  thy  maid-servant,  thy  cattle, 
shall  do  no  work."  Let  it  be  remembered  that  we 
have  no  authority  over  these,  on  the  sabbath ;  unless 
for  necessity ;  and  this  necessity  founded  on  charity. 
Rest  is  as  necessary,  for  beast ;  as  for  man.  We  may  as 
justly  invade  the  personal  liberty  of  a  fellow-man,  on  a 
week  day;  as  impose  service  on  our  horses  or  cattle, 
on  that  day  of  rest.  Our  authority  over  them,  ceases, 
on  that  day.     Let  it  be  repeated. 

The  sanctification  of  the  sabbath  lies  at  the  founda- 
tion of  all  religious  institutions :  they  all  depend  upon 
it.  This  is  the  case  in  all  countries  ;  and  at  all  times. 
There  can  be  no  religion,  without  a  sabbath.  France, 
when  she  became  wiser  than  her  Maker ;  and  abolished 
the  sabbath ;  recorded  the  history  of  that  event,  with 
her  own  hand,  in  the  blood  of  her  best  institutions,  and 
best  hopes. 

Second,     Sabbath  Schools, 

Like  all  great  events,  these  grew  out  of  small  begin- 
nings. Robert  Rakes,  an  obscure,  but  active  Chris- 
tian, in  Gloucester,  England  ;  witnessing  the  profanation 
of  the  Sabbath,  by  children  ;  was  induced  to  collect  to- 
gether a  little  company,  on  that  day,  as  the  only  time 
he  could  procure  their  attendance;  for  religious  and 
moral  instruction.  From  this  little  group,  "  the  school 
master  has  gone  forth^^''  into  all  Christendom ;  imparting 
instruction,  and  comfort,  in  all  his  goings.  And  now, 
there  are,  under  this  same  instruction,  in  the  United 
States,  and  other  Christian  countries  ;  20,000  schools; 
llOfiOO  gratuitous  instructors;  2,000 fiOO  pupils  ;  and 
50,000  hopefully  fitted  for  Heaven.  Who  can  sup 
press  the  exclammation,  "  What  hath  God  ivroiight.'^^ 

This  is  one  of  the  most  powerful  means  of  "  training 


36 

up  a  child  in  the  way  he  should  go."  It  leads  to  a  more 
thorough  knowledge  of  the  Bible.  The  heathen  are 
devoted  to  their  legends  ;  the  Mahometan,  to  the  Ko- 
ran ;  the  Christian  only  neglects  that  book,  which  con- 
tains the  charter  of  his  liberty.  Sabbath  Schools  pro- 
mote union  of  sects  ;  as  they  here  have  a  common  ob- 
ject ;  and  cherish  among  them  all  a  kinder  and  a  better 
spirit. 

Monuments  of  marble  are  too  cold,  to  record  the 
blessedness,  that  shall  follow  these  humble  beginnings. 
Warmer,  more  sensitive.  Diviner  monuments,  the  hearts 
of' children,  shall  tell  it  to  thousands,  and  millions  on  the 
earth  ;  and  the  record  shall  be  in  Heaven. 

Third,     The  preaching  of  the  Gospel, 

This  is  the  appointed  means  of  diffusing,  and  perpet- 
uating the  knowledge  and  practice  of  the  Christian  re- 
ligion ;  and  deserves  the  support  of  every  husbandman. 
There  can  be  no  sound  morality  without  religion,  Wash- 
ington said,  "  Both  reason  and  experience  forbid  us  to 
expect ;  that  national  morality  can  prevail,  in  exclusion 
of  religious  principle,-^ 

Every  patriot,  as  v/ell  as  Christian,  will  feel  the  ne- 
cessity of  religion,  not  only  in  his  own  heart ;  but,  in 
the  heart  of  his  country.  If  our  government  shall  con- 
tinue ;  it  will  be  owing  to  the  Christian  religion.  All 
others,  in  principle  like  ours,  have  fallen. 

I  am  not  advocating  a  national  religion ;  or  sectarian 
creed.  My  heart  revolts  from  both.  1  would  that  all 
Christians,  who  have  the  spirit  of  their  profession,  were 
united ;  not  only  in  one  commimion  ;  but  in  acts  of  kind- 
ness and  charity. 

The  nineteenth  century  ought  to  iind  no  bitterness 
of  sect.     The  times  of  stern  articles  of  faith  have  pas- 


37 

sed  away.  Creeds  are  the  bones  of  religion,  and  the 
dry  bones  too — They  have  neither  muscle,  nor  flesh,  nor 
spirit. 

The  divisions,  among  Christians,  arc  alike  destruc- 
tive of  the  interests  of  society ;  and  the  vitality  of  religion. 
The  numerous  houses  of  worship,  standing  alone,  in 
corners,  in  the  land,  as  ensigns  of  their  sects,  will,  ere 
long,  inform  the  passing  traveller,  by  their  grass-grown 
entrance,  that  they  were  erected,  to  further  the  views  of 
a  party,  and  not  to  promote  the  worship  of  the  living 
God.  There  will  be  charity ;  there  will  be  union  ;  there 
will  be  perfect  religious  freedom ;  "  Where  the  spirit  of 
'Lord  is;  there  is  liberty. "^^  Evidence  of  this  is  every 
day,  and  every  where,  accumulating.  Who  gave  one 
authority  to  decide  for  another,  in  matters  of  conscience  ? 
Who  would  abide  the  consequences  of  a  wrong  decis- 
ion? Who  more  confiding  in  his  religion,  than  the  Cath- 
olic or  Mahometan?     Who  more  surely  wrong? 

Our  Saviour  "  went  about  doing  good.^^  His  religion 
never  fails  to  show  itself  in  a  life  of  humility^  charity^ 
''full  of  good  fruits.''''  It  is  the  humble  and  contrite 
spirit,  that  ''in  the  sight  of  God  is  of  great  price.''''  I 
had  rather  be  such  a  Christian,  whatever  be  his  colour, 
or  profession ;  than  pillowed  on  all  the  creeds  in  Chris- 
tendom; or  buoyed  up  on  all  the  prayers,  of  all  the 
cold  sectarians  in  the  land.  "  By  their  fruits  ye  shall 
know  them,"  said  the  Saviour  of  men.  And,  In  the 
day  of  account ;  no  book  of  remembrance  records 
creed,  or  sect ;  but  "  Come,  ye  blessed,  I  was  hungry^ 
and  ye  gave  me  meat ;"  "  Depart,  ye  cursed  ;  /  icas 
hungry.,  and  ye  gave  me  no  meat ;"  is  the  ground  of  the 
judgment ;  and  the  reason  of  the  separation. 


38 

If  it  should  be  inquired ;  why  these  considerations 
are  specially  addressed  to  husbandmen ;  the  answer  is  : 

They  are  the  great  majority  of  the  people,  within 
the  limits  of  this  society. 

They  are  the  most  stable,  unmoving,  portion  of  the 
community. 

They  are  settled  on  the  soil ;  and  their  minds  and 
characters  possess  corresponding  stability  and  strength. 

They  are,  to  the  body  politic,  what  bones  and  sinews 
are,  to  the  animal  body. 

From  this  class  are  mostly  selected,  Select  men,  As- 
sessors, Jurors,  and  Legislators. 

The  controlling  power  is  with  them ;    in  election^ 
and  in  most  of  the  affairs  of  society. 

A  large  share  of  the  public  burthen  rests  on  them. 

They  pay  a  large  portion  of  the  public  taxes ;  for 
these,  their  lands,  and  their  homes^  by  the  law  of  neces- 
sity, are  pledged,  as  by  a  mortgage.  All  others  may 
avoid  ;  personal  property  may  be  secreted,  or  removed  ? 
but  the  land  is  visible,  permanent.  The  land-holder  is 
bound  to  it,  by  the  strongest  ties  of  interest,  and  attach- 
ment. His  all  is  there.  And  should  the  time  come, 
when  defence  of  rights,  or  of  country,  shall  be  neces- 
sary; the  land-holder  will  he,  first  and  last,  in  the  field. 

I  address  to  husbandmen,  considerations  of  moral  and 
religious  duty ;  because,  to  no  class  of  men  are  the  attri- 
butes of  Jehovah,  so  fully,  or  so  clearly  displayed.  Each 
successive  season,  each  returning  day,  brings  fresh  to- 
kens of  his  power  and  goodness  ;  each  makes  new  de- 
mands on  his  time  and  labour;  imposes  new  duties,  and 
increasing  obligations ;  bringing  also,  its  rewards  and 
blessings. 

Dependence  on  God  is  always  in  the  path  of  the  hus- 


39 


bandman,  in  the   field,  in   the  house,  and  by  the  way; 
and  humihty  ought  to  possess  his  heart. 

He  may  sow  and  plant,  with  care  ;  but  not  a  seed  will 
grow,  or  a  blade  of  grass  vegetate ;  without  the  sun- 
shine,  the  showers,  and  the  dews  of  Heaven.  While 
growing,  his  crops  are  also  exposed  to  frost,  and  mildew ; 
or,  the  canker-worm,  the  grass  hopper,  the  locust,  thJ 
hail,  or  the  tempest,  may  be  commissioned  to  destroy 
them.  And,  in  maturity,  when  the  fields  invite  the 
sickle;  and  the  meadows,  the  scythe  ;  with  out  the  sun- 
shine, and  the  withholding  of  the  rain;  the  mower  and 
the  reaper  labor  in  vain.  Dependence  is  written  on  ev- 
ery plant,  and  every  fallimg  leaf. 

His  goodness,  though  sometimes  veiled  with  clouds, 
inspires  confidence  in  the  promise;  that  "seed  time  and 
harvest  shall  not  fail."  It  fills  the  mind  with  reverence 
for  Him,  who  controls  the  seasons;  directs  the  rising 
and  setting  of  the  sun;  who  gives  the  rain,  and  wipes 
away  the  clouds  :  who  "  holds  the  winds  in  his  fists  ;" 
or,  lets  them  lose,  in  the  tempest. 

Is  it  strange,  that  the  husbandman,  rising  at  the  call 
of  the  morning  star,  as  he  beholds  the  lifting  of  "  the 
eyehds  of  the  morning;"  and  listens  to  the  sound  of  the 
quail  or  the  robbin,  resting  among  his  fruit-trees ;  or 
perched  upon  his  dwelling  ? 

Is  it  strange,  that  the  daughter,  in  all  the  simplicity 
of  innocence,  and  in  all  the  bloom  of  youth ;  as  she  re- 
turns, at  early  twilight,  loaded  from  the  milk-yard  ? 

Is  it  strange,  that  the  son,  as   he  returns,  at  evening, 
from  the  wheat  field,  "  bearing  his  sheaves  with  him  ?" 
Is  it  strange,  that  these  all  should  raise  their  thoughts 
to  Him,  who  spread  beauty  over  the  face  of  the  morn- 
ing ;  and  gave  serenity  to  the   brow   of  evening  ?  Is  it 


40 

strange^  that  these  all,  feeling  the  inspiration  of  dev( 
tion,  should,  involuntarily,  join  the  chorus,  breathed  ouj 
by  all  the  works  of  Nature  around  them  ?  The  brute] 
keep  not  silence.  The  hovel,  the  pasture,  the  hill,  tm 
air,  are  all  vocal,  in  praise.  Can  man  be  silent,  whj 
alone  has  the  power  of  speech  ?  And,  while  surroum 
ed,  by  this  imperishable  grandeur,  for  God  is  there,  \i{ 
remembers  "  the  tree  of  life  in  the  midst  of  the  garden  ;1 
praise  will  be,  on  his  lips  ;  and  adoration  Jill  his  heart, 

I  address  these   considerations  to  husbandmen ;    bel 
cause,  they  are  "  doing  a  great  work,''''     On  them  is  coi 
ferred  the  honor,  of  restoring  the  earth  to  the  order  an( 
grandeur  of  its  first  creation.     They  are  performing  thi 
closing  labors  of  that  great  week  of  toil ;  the  six  tho\ 
sand  years ;  and  preparing  for  the  approach  of  the  sevent) 
the  sabbath  of  time,  the  rest  ofJYature.     And  when  "  ai 
waste  places  shall  become  as  Eden;  and  the  desert  as  tl 
garden  of  God;^^  then  shall  the  Spirit  of  the  Lor( 
move  over  the  land,   as  once, "  on  the  face   of  the   w? 
ters  ;"  and  the  whole  earth  respond,  "  it  is  finished. '''' 


